KPMG continues start-up program for energy sector

KPMG has launched its Energise program for a second year, aimed at connecting innovative start-ups in the energy and natural resources sector with industry leaders who can help fund their projects.

Last year the program saw $650,000 in capital delivered to eight Australian start-ups.

According to KPMG, the 12-week program is designed to “foster collaboration and co-creation between start-ups and top-tier energy and natural resources (ENR) sector corporates, and help to deliver step change improvements in cost, productivity, social, environmental and safety performance”.

KPMG WA chairman of partners Gary Smith said the ENR sector plays a key role in not just driving Australia’s economy, but also driving innovation.

“Start-ups bring new ideas and technology, and deliver much-needed solutions to underpin the ENR sector’s competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace. KPMG’s aim is to fuse these two capabilities,” said Mr Smith.

“By bringing a new and enhanced version of the Energise accelerator to market, we hope to play a role in enhancing creative innovation within one of Australia’s most important industries – and help build a generation of global leading technology companies in Perth and Brisbane.”

Corporate participants in this year’s accelerator so far include Woodside Energy, Wesfarmers Chemicals Energy & Fertilisers, and South32. They will complete a new corporate curriculum specially developed following the 2015 Energise program to help large organisations maximise the benefits of collaborating with start-ups.